Page 43 of A Not So Merry Rescue
“You didn’t. We’re done.” The plates are both scraped clean, the evidence of any morsels long gone.
She glances at her plate. “Because it was delicious.”
“Are you still hungry? There are more noodles and veggies. We ate all the steak.”
She waves my comment away. “No, plenty full. Until dessert, at least.” She attempts a sad smile, and my heart wants to break in half with her pain. There’s so much more she can’t or won’t talk about. I’m not sure she’ll open up to me, but I’ll let her know I’m here if she wants to. Whatever baggage she wants to unload on me, I’ll take. When it’s time for her to move on, she’ll leave with a lighter load.
“My grandmother used to make a divine red velvet cake at the holidays. I’m not sure I’ve had it since she passed, but a sudden urge just hit me. You game?”
“That seems like a loaded question. Will it make you nostalgic for her?”
“Probably.”
“Jealous I’m the only one feeling this way? Do you suddenly need to be depressed, too? ”
It shouldn’t be funny, but her monotone voice digs up buried emotions.
“Nailed it. I can’t let you have all the fun.” I think I’ve gone too far, but Willa cracks a smile.
She goes to speak, but the back door opens. “Uncle Beck, Gram says you’ve got her extra flour. So we’re here to take it back ‘cause me and mom have baking to do.” Her comments precede my niece’s arrival, and Willa sits up straight in her chair, a frozen expression molded on her face.
When Shania appears, my sister’s on her heels. “Oh, didn’t realize you had company. We’ll get the flour and skedaddle.”Autumn looks over at Willa before disappearing into the pantry. Shania’s taking in my guest, her eyes locked on her sweatshirt. Suddenly, she’s on the move.
“Oh my gosh. Where did you get this from?”
Willa peeks down, like she forgot what she was wearing. “Oh, um. It’s?—”
“You read Hidden Clues Club? They’re like my favorite ever. I love AJ Hart. She’s my spirit animal. I want to be her. I can’t wait for book eight, but it’s taking for-ever. Which one’s your favorite? I can’t decide which one mine is. I love them all. And I love this sweatshirt. I need this sweatshirt. Mom!” she yells, louder than necessary. Autumn peeks her head from the pantry. “Add this to my birthday list, k?”
“Right away, my little dictator. Consider it added.” Her deadpan is on point, and I stifle my laughter.
Shania smiles, too excited and missing her mother’s sarcasm. She slaps her head. “Oh duh. I’m Shania. Are you and Uncle Beck dating?”
Willa’s wild gaze finds mine. Shania’s overwhelming on a good day, but when she’s passionate about something? Watch out.
“Willa’s just staying here until her car is fixed. What series did you say her sweatshirt was from?”
“Keep up, Uncle Beck. Hidden Clues Club.”
My mind fits the pieces together, and Willa’s horrified look makes sense.
“Who’s the author?” I ask, my eyes not leaving Willa’s. She gives a shake of her head.
“Evelyn Ravenhurst.”
“Interesting.” I commit the name to memory, planning to google it later.
“Yeah. She was supposed to do an author signing a few years ago in Burlington, but she was sick or something. I still want to meet her, even if I’m a little old for the books now. It would be so cool. She’s like my favorite author, and I’m her biggest fan.”
I can’t betray Willa’s trust, but I’d be solidified as favorite uncle forever if Shania only knew.
“I’m sure she’d love to meet her biggest fan.”
Autumn reappears from the pantry with two bags of flour. Holding them up, she says, “Put these on my tab, k?”
I parrot her words from earlier. “Right away, my little dictator.”
“What did you make for dinner?”
